In a last few years , when plasma and DLP tvs started to be replaced by a newer television sets, such as LCD, LED, came a new era of new kind of tv sets. Unfortunately they all had one flaw - the screen could be damaged easily, from simple scratch to a crack and/or nothing but lines on the screen.

And questions such as: "Is it repairable?", " How it could be fixed?" became a very common calls to the tv repair shops.

And the answer is YES, it is repairable!

However....the right question should be this:

How much it is gonna cost me?

To replace a screen on 42" or 46" tv, in many cases price for the repair is about same if you are buying whole new tv. Is it worth it? May be, may be not, it's for you to decide.

So, it's repairable, but sometimes it's not worth it.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

12/24/12

DLP Lamps, how long do they last?

It depnds. There are few major manufacturers who make those lamps, and, of course, price varies between the most expensive and a cheaper lamps.

Some of the manufacturers promise a longer life, of 10000 hours, some of them- 5000 to 60000 hours. But, it is almost always true, you get what you pay for.

Also, lamps could be bought a little bit cheaper, which means just a bear lamp, but, then some assembly requared, very simple though, just follow the instructions.

When do you need to replace the balb?

Sometimes picture may get dimmer, which tells you, that bulb is ready to "die".

Sometimes you may hear a popping sound, and then picture dissapears, and once the balb pulled out and checked, you may see a lot of small pieces of glass.

However, sometimes bulb "dies" quetly, you wake in the morning, and there is no picture, and of courese, it could be just anything, but it could be just a bulb. To see if it is a bulb, just replace it with a brand new one, or call a technician.

And, meanwhile, while your tv is live and well - enjoy a great picture!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

12/28/12

BIG SCREEN TV REPAIR, pros and cons.

CRT rear projection TV.

Big Screen TVs, also called rear projection tvs (I'll be talking about CRT tvs), have few advantages repairwise, compare a newer rear projection tvs, such as DLP and LCD.

Here are few reasons why I think it is still worth to repair big screen tv.

First, the size of the screen, normally it's 55'' to 65'', and bigger - 75'', and with that big size still quality of the picture is great.

Second, sound is still a whole lot better than newer tvs have today , one of the reasons for this is the cabinet itself.

Third, the lifespan of CRT TVs, longer than newer tvs, I've seen a lot of tvs, which failed first time after 8 - 10 of great performance.

And the last, but not the least, the repair price for a 65'' , 75'' tv very often is lower (sometimes few times lower) than a repair price for a newer tv of the same size.

So, if your BIG TV, is only 10 - 15 years old, and suddenly stopped working, don't rush to replace it, it may very well be worth to get it repaired and have another few years of great picture in theater like sound! yuri@tulsatvrepari.biz

2/4/13

Extended warranties, are they worth it?

If I was thinking about buying a new LCD, LED, Plasma, or even a DLP TV today, then I would call to a few repair shops, and I would ask them what type and a brand name TV last the most, after all, thiey repair them dayly, so they could tell you what TV to buy, so it will last you for years and years, like they used to, for 10 - 15 years, at least.

But the answer would be, that no TV would last that long anymore, not even a fraction of it, even though some manufacturers may promise that a TV will last up to 100000hours.

Some manufacturers will give you up to a year warranty on parts (not bad), and may be 3 to 6 moth on labor...not a much.

Some stores will offer you an extended warranty (in addition to manufacturers !), may be even up to 2 years, that's better!

Some credit card companies may also offer you same year or two of an extended warranty, but they have a problem, TV , most likely will last you two years, and then it may stop working, or "die", and what's then?

About a month or two ago, one of our customers desided to buy a new TV, and I think it was a 46" TV, I think it was LCD, he paid about $400 ( I may be off a few dollars) for the TV, and in addition to that $64 fot a 4 year in home wrranty!

If TV fail within 4 years , they will come to his house and fix it , and if they couldn't - they will replace it! It couldn't get any better!

In conclusion.

In many cases, I think it is worth to buy an extended warranty (however not for 2-3 years) for at least 4 years, but always pay attention what it DOES cover , and what it DOESN'T cover.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

3/4/13

Simple things you can do to protect your TV.

Newer TVs, such as Plasma, LCD, LED and DLP which is not nesserily ''newer'' type of TVs) became more and more affordabe and they could be seen in most ot the households today, some time even 2 or 3 in a house. With a good picture quality, convenient shape and size, they are everywhere, so to say.

However, there is one thing ( among few others) which is shortening their ''life" - they do not withstand very well power spikes or power surges , what it means is - when you lost electricity, and before you get it back, there is a surge may go through and may ''fry'' your TV.

You could prevent it in a few simple ways.

First. Once the power is lost, you may need to unplug your TV from the outlet, until you got the power back. You may not like this idea of plugging- unplugging your TVs, then you could do something else.

Second. You may buy power surge protector ( not the power strip!), even though they do not protect your TV 100%, in most cases your TV will be just fine.

Third. If somebody use powertools in your house, you may need to unplug your TV (I would), because most likely you will get a power surge.

So, if you will spend a few dollars on a good surge protector - it could save you a lot of money in a future!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

3/13/13

TV Repair estimate..over the phone!

We do receive lot of calls for a TV repairs, but before setting up a housecall , potential customers trying to get an estimate over the phone. I think it's a right thing to do , for a few reasons. If you want to save a time (not to wait untill technician comes), or have a busy schedule, or don't want to pay for the housecall ( which is between $55 and $100 easily). Then you may need to have some information ready, sich as:

First: Brand name , such as Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sony, etc,..

Second: Type of the TV. Is it Plasma, LCD, LED , also called flat panel TVs, those tvs you can hang on the wall; DLP - they are normally sitting on the stand, or Rear Projecion TV, they have Big Screens, and they normally sitting on the floor.

Third: Model number and age, it's always on the back of the TV.

And last, what's wrong whith it. It could be no picture, or TV won't come on at all, or TV comes on then shuts off after a while.

Now, if you don't have all that information , it's still worth calling, it doesn't garante that you will get an estimate over the phone, but in some cases you may get an idea how much it could be. We also have a flat house call fee ( which applies toward the repair ), or flat prices for a DLP lamps (we have most ot them in stock), we will need to know the model number of the tv, to quote you price for the bulb installed in your tv in your house.

So, if you have any questions, give us a call!

And that's the phone number to call: 918-264-0116 !

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

3/23/13

LCD TV , DLP TV lamp replacement.

After having a nice and bright picture on your LCD TV, your TV may have a little bit a dimmer picture, and one day you may hear a popping sound, and then screen turns black, and then a light ( it may be a green light, may be orange or other - depends on the brand of your tv) may start flashing, which means that a bulb may need to be replaced...

First, how long those bulbs last. It could be 2-3 years ( depends on how much you use your tv, however I've seen a tv which was good for a 6 (!) years with the same lamp.

Now, you may have two optins to get your tv working again:

First: to do it yourself, or

Second: to call a repair shop.

In first case scenario, you won't have to pay for the housecall (some places may charge you a hundreed dollars or so just for that (!) ), and you may find a cheaper lamp online ( make sure you got right model number and a bulb part number , Samsung tvs have it on the right side on the back).However , when you replace your bulb, and tv still won't come on , it may be the time to call a repair shop ( don't worry about the lamp , you've got an extra lamp now, you still gonna need it in the future). And the reason why tv won't come on, is that - even though the blown bulb is the most common problem, something else could happen, but like I said, lamp is the most common problem.

If you will decide to call the repair shop, some of them may have lamp in stock, and may do it the same day (like we do ).

In any scenario, if your tv may need to be serviced, give us a call , we may be able to help you over the phone with an advise or suggestion.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

4/1/13

Most common problems with Big screen and Flat Panel TVs.

Part 1.

Older flat panel tvs.

Flat panel tvs, such as LCD, LED and Plasma have some common problems, however, this article is not a guide for a repair, but more like an informative overview, just to let you know what to expect in a future, after having a brand new tv for a few years, sometimes after few months.

Older plasma tvs, 5-6 years of age , they develop problems totally different then a newer ones.

Most common problem with them was a problem with a power supply (which makes tv trying to come on and shut off right away),and tv may make a cliking noise and a little light on the bottom keep flashing.The reason for that- used to be - either connections need to be redone (loose connections, or cold solder problems very common problems for tv of 4-5, sometimes 2-3 years of age), blown capacitors, or some components may need to be replaced, some times you may have to replace whole power supply board alltogether.

Next common problem could be Y board and buffer boards. Some times Y board may be repaired, some times it need to be replaced. Buffer boards very often may need to be replaced, since repair on component level of those boards almost never goes well.

Sometimes X board may couse a problem, less often though.

I've repaired some of them , some of them had to be replaced.

Main board gets deffective less often (that's not the case for a newer tv), and if that's the case that board may need to be replaced, almost always they are not repairable on component level.

That was a brief survey of most common problems with tvs of a 5-7 years old, which is mostly plasma tvs.

In the next aricle I will cover the most common problems with a newer tvs of 2-4 years of age.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

4/9/13

Part 2.

Newer Flat Panel TVS.

Newer Flat Panel TVS, if they survive those 2-3 years of age, they develop different problems than the tvs of the same kind of 5-6 years of age.

First of all, cold solder is not a common problen, it's still may happen, but not as often.

Second, dry capacitors - almost unherd of. Both problems uncommon for the same reason - tv is still too new to develop those age related problems.

Most common problem is the power supply failure, that's happen often. And the reason for that is either power surge, or keeping tv in a closed cabinet, which leads to heat building up, and then overheating and "dying",or some of the components failure (that's also possible because of keeping tv longer time on).

Simple measures could be taken to prevent this : every flat panel tv need to be plugged in into POWER SURGE PROTECTOR ( not a power strip), turn tv off at least for 30 min every 2-3 hours.

Next simple thing you can do to prolong the life of the tv, adjust brightness, contrast, color and other controls. Before your tv was sold, those controls were kept all the way up, or allmost all the way up, to make the tv to "stand up", that's why when you buy your tv it is so bright ( and of course , it's a brand new tv). Depends on the size of your room and how bright (or dark) is the room, adjust those controls, they should be pretty much in the middle.

The other common problem - backlight inverters.They are normally reasonably priced, and easy to replace.

And last, and most important, KEEP your TV AWAY from children. Screen could be damaged easily, and even though tv is still repairable, it is so expensive, that in many cases it is simply not worth to be repaired.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

SUMMARY

4/25/13

Part 3.

DLP, LCD Rear projection TVs.

In previous articles I wrote about lamp replacement in DLP tvs. Now I would like to cover the most common problems with those tvs. LCD tvs come in two versions :First - Flat Panel TVs, you can hangh them on the wall, they are few inches thick, and Second - bigger, more balkeir ones,they are 12-14 inches thick, they are normally kept on the stand, and they are also called rear projection tvs, even thoug they are totally different compare to older tvs, so called CRT rear projection TVs ( they had three CRT "guns'', or tubes -blue, green and red). So, I am gonna talk today about those, bigger, thicker ones, which have one lamp inside.

Now, as I mentioned before, and that is a very well known fact - lamp dies most often, and normally tv may last through two or threee lamp replacement (depends on how much the tv is on) before something else happens.

The next most common problem with DLP tvs is the color whell assembly , and it normally happens after 5 - 6 years of age, and after it is replaced ( color whell assembly is not repearable), it may last again for 5-6 years.

Next common problem is the ballast, sometimes it is repairable , sometimes it need to be replaced. The problem with the ballast used to be more common with earlier DLP tvs, lately I didn't see it happened.

Problems with the power supply are not common, at least I didn't see it for last 5-7 years.

Another problem, not so common , but I've seen it quite few times, is a Digital Board. It could be both repaired or replaced depends on how bad it is.

In conclusion, I want to say that DLP tvs were a good and long lasting tvs. I've seen tvs lasting for up to 4-6 years before lamp was replaced first time, and after the lamp was replaced, than the tv was good for another few years easily. And the screen size and the quality of the picture was quite good.

SUMMARY

5/14/13

Part4.Older TVs. Tube TVs.

Older TVs, TVs of 10 - 15 years of age, so called ''Tube TVs" (such name is given because of the screen , which is nothing but a huge tube), still around, live and well. They are between 7-8 and 10-12 years of age , an of course, there are some older ones, 15-20 years old, still running good, but those tvs are normally a smaller sizes, 19'' to 27'', and normally they are not the main tvs in the house, whole lot newer and bigger tvs took their place.

Now, those tvs, which are still in use daily , as a main tvs, they are between 36'' and 40'', most often, SONY, they are still around, they used to be quite popular once before, and for some reasons the owners are not in a rush to replace them with a new flat panel tvs.

There are some disadvantages of those tvs:

1.Weight. They are really heavy, normally it takes two man to move them from one room to anther, or move them if repair needed (on the good side, you don't have to move tv from place to place often, and as for repair for those tvs, they are normally run good for first 10-12 years, and if they are repaired properly, they will be good for another 5-7 years more).

2. Size.They are bulky, and require bigger space behind it , compare to a new slim flat panel tvs.

However, there are still some advantages having those old tvs:

1.It is still a good size, 36'' - 40'', sufficient for average size living room.

2.Picture. The qualitty of the picture is good, and bright.

3.Repair cost. Those tvs are normally repairable on component level, which brings the repair cost down, making it whole lot cheaper compare to a new tvs.

4.Life span. As I mentioned above, they (tube tvs) normally last 10-12 yerars before the first repair, and after they repaired, they are still gonna be good for quite a while.

The most common problem with those tvs is a power supply problem, which is repairable on component level, and parts are still available in most cases.

In conclusion. Yes, we still fix those tvs.We are not getting a lot of calls for those tvs, but if that old tv has a value to you, or just need to be repaired - give us a call!

5/26/13 Part 5. Rear Projection CRT TVs.

Most common problems with Rear Projection CRT TVs are normally "shows up" after 7-8 years of age, which means that TV is normally good for first 7 -10 years of use ( try it today!), and then you may see some problems. Here is the most common problems with these kind of TVs. 1.The most common problemem is the problem with convergence. Since CRT Rear Projection TV has 3 CRT projectors, then convergence circuitry is responsible for the "alighning " those three "guns" to shoot proper cells to get good picture, otherwise you may see double or triple picture on the screen, which means that convergence need to be repaired.

Normally it's a straight forward procedure. Normally it's 2 ICs ( sometimes just one IC), or it's 3 ICs on older TVs.While ICs replaced, resistors need to be checked as well, even though they may look good, they may be open, or just change the value.And once it all done (don't forget to check the caps, if TV is quite old), check for loose connections or cold solder connections.In addition ofall that , microfuses (on older TVs - those fuses are of normal size), normally they are 5 amp fuses.

Once it all done, TV normally comes on fine, and need some adjustment, then TV may be good to go for another 5-8 years.

I reccomend to replace those ICs with original manufacturers ICs, for obvious reasons : they last longer, and even though they are more expensive then generic ones, it is still worthwhile to use the original replacement parts.

Once it all done, it is always a good idea to clean CRT lenses, rear mirror, and you may see quate a difference in a brightness of the picture , especially if those lenses haven't been cleaned for last 5-7 years.

After you all done with this not so complicated service, you may have almost brand new picture quality!

SUMMARY

6/12/13 Flat Panel TV. Damaged Screens.

Few months ago I addressed the issue with broken screens of those newer tvs, also called as flat panel tvs.

And I mentioned that the "repair'' of those screens normally means that pricewise it is like byuing a whole new tv, and there is a reason why it is so expensive. Here why it is.

Last few years prices for the newer tvs, flat panel tvs, LCD TVs, LED TVs, Plasma TVs went down, and went down significantly. And that gave an idea that repair also should be less and less expensive, or at least to be reasonable, but not so. And the reason for that is that repair on component level ( like it was with the older tvs) is not always possible , which makes it more expensive to repair.And the screen repair is still possible, but in many cases I wouldn't do it even if it was my own tv, for simple reason : not worth it. Like I said, prices for newer tvs went down, but the screens are still unreasonable expensive. And the are , the screens, NOT REPAIRABLE, they need to be replaced. And that's why it never make sence for me. We do receive calls regarding broken screen repiars almost every day , and that's why I decided to address this issue again.

So, if you got nice flat panel tv, make sure your kids won't reach it , and when you move it - be very carefull around the screen area. Besides that, those tvs have a great picture and don't take so much electricity!

SUMMARY

6/23/13

Estimates over the phone.

Yes, we do make estimates over the phone. Even though, the ideal way to do it ( to give you an estimate) would be to come and see your tv inside, sometimes we can give an idea how much it may cost to get your tv repaired. This estimate is not going to be exact, because some troubleshooting need to be done, unless it is something obvious, like blown lapm, or fuse.

When somebody whants to know what's happen to his TV, or how much it may cost him to get it repaired, he or she may do somethin simple things first, which may help and save house call fee charge.

First, unplug the TV, let it sit for 2-3 min, and plug it back, it may help, if it didn't , and no lights on the bottom of the TV, unplug your TV and plug it into another outlet, Which you know has power there. If still no light (normally on the right bottom corner), Then AC fuse may be blown and need to be replaced, however it is not always the case. It is always good to ask somebody to do it who has experience with electronics repair. When we make housecall , and that is the case, we normally replace the fuse, and housecall fee cover it.

Blown lamp may be easily replaced too, you just need exact model number, order it online, follow all precautions and it could be done as well, when we do it , we charge for the house call and the cost of the lamp, no labor charge.

However, when none of the above didn't work, then give us a call, and hve few simple things ready:

If you don't have it (if you are not home, or cannot get on the back of the TV), still give us a call, we may help you if we can! Otherise, we do make housecalls six days a week, no extra charhe on Saturdays!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

7/12/13

Bad capacitors on Samsung LCD / Plasma TV.

Another very common problem with LCD, Plasma TVs is a capacitor problem, also known as a bad capacitors issue in power supply on the newer TVs. So, the name of it says it all - bad capacitors! And they are in a power supply board, and they look so differnt ( in most cases) that it is really easy to distinquish from the good ones.

Now, let's start from the beginning. How do we even begin to suspect that the caps went bad? There are a few symptoms that may tell you, that capacitors may be at foult :

1. TV won't come on.

2. TV is "clicking", but won't come on.

3. TV comes on, then shuts off.

4. TV comes on, but picture is distorted.

There are few more other problems that bad capacitors may couse, but those are the most common.

Word of caution!

All those symptoms may be caused by other reasons, which means your TV may act as descrebed for many different reasons, and caps may be ok.

Fifst of all: TV has to be at least 2-3 years old, newer TVs do not have this issue.

Bad capacitors look in many cases just as normal capacitors, except their top will look different - like a bibbled, so that's why they called ''Bulged capacitors''.

Sometimes capacitor may be bad, and it may still look good, then capacitor checker need to be used to determine which one is a bad capacitor .

Next, once bad capacitor is found, it need to be replaced with respect of few things:

1.Polarity (Capacitor installed in reverse may blow).

2.Same nominal capacity AND voltage.

3. Temperature ( HI temp or LOW temp).

Word of caution!

From my expirience, even though you found and replaced bad caps (and they were bad caps), TV may not come on. There are few rasons for that:

There are more bad capacitors, or

There is something elese need to be taken care of.

However, sometimes TVs come on right away after bad capacitors replaced!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

SUMMARY

8/6/13

Rear Projection CRT TV repair updates.

Lately we get many calls for older Big Screeen TV ( I am talking about older style tvs - Rear Projection CRT TVs) repairs. Of course, I mentioned it before, we do repair them, in some cases they are repairable in home, sometimes we pick the chassis up, fix it , bring it back, and then the repair is complete. So the tv itself is staying home, we don't pick it up, it is convinient for the customers and doesn't require transportation for that huge 55'' - 65'', or even 75'' tv.

Few thing to know.

Those TVs don't have lamps to replace, they have 3 CRT projectors, they are not to be replaced, in many cases.

Parts still are availible mostly, very often they are not even on a backorder.

The most common size (I mean, people call us about) is 65'', and I think the reason for this size is:

It is a good, size and big enough almost for any size house.

It is good for either watching tv or for playing games.

The picture is great , and the sound is just like you have your private theater!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

SUMMARY

8/17/13

Rear Projection LCDS SONY TV Green picture.

LCD SONY TV Color proble.

This is a problem which happens mostly with SONY KDS series tvs after a 6-8 years of age. And even though it is called ''Rear Projection " - it is not the type of rear projection tvs that used to be around for years and years, CRT Rear Projections ( they never had this type of problem , we are not gonna talk about them today, we are gonna talk about LCD Rear Projection TV, and to evern more specific - about SXRD series.

Like I said, this problem appears after 6-8 years of use, and it is not happening over night, it develops gradually,in the beginnig it is almost not noticeable, the eventually it becomes more and more greenish to the point that whole picture becomes green, and then come the time to decide - to fix it or to replace it.

First, what happens to this series of SXRD TVS? Ii is very spicific problem, however it is repairable and becomes more affordable then it used to be, and now it is makes sence to fix it, unless a person is looking for a reason to buy a newer tv.

What happens with this tv is a light engine has a problem, a panel need to be replced, and then it need to be adjusted (through technical menu) and you will get a nice picture back, llike nothing happened!

So, it is reapirable, it is affordable, and picture gonna be good again, and even more important - this problem won't happen again for another 6-8 years!

So, if you your TV has a green picture - give us a call, most likely it is repairable for less then you expected!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

SUMMARY

9/29/13

Flat Panel TVs, Cracked Screen.

In previous newsletters we addressed the issue with cradcked, or broken screens of those newer tvs, or flat panel tvs. Nevertheless, we do receive calls daily with the same question - is a tv with a broken, cracked or damaged screen repairable?

And the answer is - Yes, it is repairable, but the right question should be asked this way, If it repairable, then how much it could cost me?

The flat panel tv's screen are NOT repairable, they need to be replaced. And that's why the repair price is so high , because the price of the screen is the almost price of the whole new tv, thats why it is not worth in many cases to repair those flat panel tvs.

Thats why when the screen is cracked, it is a time to look for a new tv, and this time make sure it is out of reach for little kids ( Thats the most common reason why screens got damaged)!

Cracked screen - is very common issue withe LCD, LED TVs, and of course, it is not that TV was bad, faulty design - it's just an accident happened, and now TV need to be repaired, or in this case - most likely replaced..., otherwise those newer TVS, such as LCD, LED - they are great TVS, so if they are (mentioned above TVs) keept protected from scratches and hits on the screen - they may last you for a 2- 3 , sometimes even 4 years, of course it is not 10-15 years as it used to be, but that's how much they last nowdays, if no accidents happened..Cracked screen issue never happens to a PLASMA TVs, or at least I never seen Plasma TV with broken screen, and that a benefit of buying a Plasma TV versus LCD or LED TV. Neverthelsess, either you have a Plasma , or LCD, or LED - they have a nice picture, light weight, use less electricity!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

10/1/13

Mitsubishi, 73'' DLP TV, Flickering picture.

Lately we've got few calls about Mitsubishi TV ( model number: wd-73737), with a very specific deffect : TV comes on , picture comes on , but just few seconds later picture begins to flash, flicker, and then picture dissapears. Then picture comes on again, then everythin repeats itself, and again and again.

This problem can be taken care of by replacing the color wheel, and tv may have a good picture for another years and years.

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

SUMMARY

10/9/13

"NO Signal" issues with Flat Panel TV.

''NO SIGNAL" Issues with LCD, LED, Plasma TV.

No signal issue is a very common issue ( very often ''NO SIGNAL'' line will appear on the screen, sometimes it will be just a blue screen , or a white screen with a lot of black dots) with any tv of any age or type .

The issue we are going to cover today, is an issue with HDMI Inputs on a newer TVs, such as LCD, LED, PLASMA TVS.

Of course, you need to be sure that the cable box is on, hooked up properly and your tv is on a right input mode.

If your TV has a good picture through a coax cable , through composite (3 prong red, white and yellow cable) and a component inputs (5 prong - red, green, blue and red and white cable), but you get no picture while connected through a HDMI cable (assuming - you know that cable is good, or better yet - new one), then HDMI inputs (sometimes called ''ports") are deffective. Some TVs have 2 or 3 of them, but if they do not work - then it is an issue with a TV itself. Sadly those inputs are part of a main board (in many cases), and in order to fix the problem the main board will have to be repalaced.

A word of caution before you order and replace the board, it is still a good idea to let a proffesional to make sure that it is the case, and if you will order a main board , make sure to get a right part number, ordering by description may cost you - you may end up buying a board which you don't need.

I wish you an easy and fun repair!

yuri@tulsatvrepair.biz

12/3/13

LCD, LED TV REPAIR. Is it worth, by screen size.

LCD, LED, Plasma TVs becoming more and more affordable, prices are going down (unfortunately so does the quality), especially around holidays you could have a "good" deal (very often a good deal means a cheaper quality TV for less money compare to a good quality TV of the same size).

Are they all new TVs bad? Of course, not. Some may run for 3-4, maybe 5 years. And when they "die" - are they worth repair , or just buy a new one?

Some TVs are still worth repair and some of them may need to be replaced, the easiest way to determine if your TV worth repair - you may call the repair shop ( BUT, I would never call the repair shop that sells TVs, because the asnwer you are will get most likely is to buy a new TV from them, and they will do you a "favor" - they will pick up the broken TV, so as you may see - they may be a little bit biased.), tell them the size just to get an idea how much it could be to get your tv repaired, then compare with a price of a new TV of the same size and the same brand.

Here are a few ideas, if your TV may be worth repair , but everyone should do the way they feel about it, beacuse one may repair the same TV, and the other one may replace it, depends on the financial situation, on how this TV fits for the whole set up in the room, or for other reasons. I wll try to give you some ideas how I would approach this matter.

1. 32'' TV and smaller. All newer TVs of this size are repairable, and quite reasonably, but the problem is that a whole new TV of this size is about the same price as a repair price , so I Would , probably , replace it.

2. 40''- 46'' TVs.This size TVs very often worth repair, and they are repaired in many cases, unless the owner already decided to replace it with a bigger TV.

3. Up to 52'' TVs. Normally it is always worth at least to check it how much it is going to be to repair, and mostly they are repaired.

4. 60'' TVs and up. This size TVs normally repaired, I think for one main reason: the repair price of those TVs is a fraction of the price of a whole new TV.

So, if your TV doesn't work the way it suppose to work, or doesn't work at all - call any repair place, or call us to see it worth while to get your TV done, fast and reasonbly!

Just one example: few days ago we fixed 60'' TV in Broken Arrow OK, TV was about 5 years old Plasma, repair was quate reasonable , and that TV may lalst for another 2-3 years!

12/26/13

CRT TVs, are they worth repair?

CRT TVs, or Cathode Ray Tube TVs are still around, live and well.

CRT TV Repair

People get newer TVs, but bigger CRT TVs, such as 32'', 35'' and bigger are still around , and thety are well and still running. I am talking about major brands and a good quality TVs. I am not saying that all of them are still good, but some of them are sill in good shape and they are still could be found as a secong or third TV in a house. When they die , then very often they are replaced without a second thought. And the main reason is the size and the weight, CRT TVs are very baulky, and heavy; and most of the wight is the weght of the picture tube ( the CRT) itself. I probably would do the same , I mean replacing the old TV with a new Flat Panel TV, except if the repair cost was very reasonable and if the life expectancy would be at least another few years, or better yet - another 4-5 years..

Well, the repair cost. The repair cost is very often is a fraction of a repair cost of a modern TVs, and the reason being is that older TVs could be repaired on component level, and that's why the repair price is a lot lower, and when repair of a Flat Panel TV requares to replace a whole board.

The life expectancy after the repair on those older TVs, if repaired properly, it could be another 3 to 5 years, which is good.

Who keeps those older TVs today?

The owners of those good major brands, and they are kept as a spare TV or as a game TV for kids, and as long as you don't move it very often, the TV is good for all that, and why not - picture is bright, sharp ( use the proper input) and sound is great!

And I assume that they are gonna be around for another 5 -6 ears while gradully fade out.

1/1/14

Happy New Year from Tulsa Electronics Repair!

We wish a Happy New Year to all our customers and to all who read our website!

We are, Tulsa Electronics Repair, Service and Repair company based in Tulsa OK specializing in In-Home Repair of any size TV, and any kind of tvs, such as Flat panel TVs, LCD TVs, LED TVs, Plasma TVs, DLP TVS, Rear Projection TVs, CRT TVs of almost any age, as long as parts are available, and if you are not sure if your TV is repairable - just give us a call!

We service most brands, our housecall fee applies toward repair and also covers pick up and delivery, if TV needs to be picked up, we give you an estimate before the repair, all our repiars are guaranteed and backed up with 6 moth warranty on parts and labor.

If you'll decide not to repair TV, and buy a new one instead, we may dispose your TV with no charge to you, almost any kind of TV.

In addition to our one ot the longest (if not the longest) warranty around, our rates are very reasonble : we charge $55 in most cases for the housecall , and like it mentioned above - it applyes toward repair, and as prices for the new TVs are going down-we are trying to keep our repair prices as low as possible to make sense repairing TVs versus buying the new one.

We are available 6 days a week, you can call us 918-264-0116, or text us, or see us at : www.tulsatvrepair.biz

We service Tulsa and surrounding areas up to 50 miles radius .

So, if you have any TV which need service - give us a call!

SUMMARY

1/6/14

EASY FIX, TV COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTONS.

As you read our newsletters, you may see a lot of practical information how to do some repairs on TV ( form the older TVs to the newest ones), even though it was an easy repairs, and there was a lot of information about what you can do to make your TV life longer, to get a better picture, and to get the most out it, which is - best picture with longest life of your TV set.

This month we begin a series of videos on YOUTUBE about common and easy repairs.

We are going to explain how to troubleshoot and how to do a simple repairs, very simple ones, and then eventually we are going explain more complex problems and ways to fix it. So, just hold on, and expect our videos on YOUTUBE soon, and meanwhile - if you have any problem with your TV - just call us , or see if you have your question already answered in our newsletters. Otherwise - you may email us your question , we may answer you via email or just call us :

918-264-0116.

1/17/14

White dots on the screen.

White dots on the screen is a very common problem on DLP TVs, and it is normally developed after 5-6 years of usage. It starts with one -two small white dots, then few more of those dots appears, then more and more, and then the whole screen is full of white dots. Is it repairable? Yes, it is repairable. Is it expensive to repair? Yes and no. Yes - because it is still relatively expensive ( just a chip itself is between $185 to $245 plus labor), and Not so expensive as it used to be, since now it is repaired on a component level, and before then whole light engine had to be replaced. So, once you got those white dots - you have two options: You can do it yourself. You get the chip (either from manufactory or from online sources , make sure you get the right part number), make sure it is a brand new - oterwise you are gonna get the same dots quite soon, and install it - you may find some instructions on line - ONLY if you are ready to assume the risk to damage or make it even worse. The procedure of replacing the chip is not complicated - once you do it once or twice, but the very first time you have to be very carefull and then you may get it done. Second option. Call the pro. Then if repair is not completed, you don't pay, and you pay onle once you see those dots are gone, completely, like nothing happened before. What is the difference moneywise between those two options? If you do it yourself - of course labor if free - it is just your time and possability that something may go wrong ( but there are good chances that you'll be ok), PLUS the cost ot the chip - which is the same price or almost the same that the tech would pay. So, it is repairable, and it is reasonable to get it done, and then it may be good for another 5-6 years! So, if you are gonna do it by yourself - I wish you very good luck! If you want us to get it done - give us a call

918-264-0116918-264-0116 !

4/2/14

Youtube videos for easy common Flat Panel TV Repairs.

Here are a couple of links for youtube videos regarding easy common problems with Flat Panel TVs. We are planning to make more videos regarding common problem both Flat Panel TVs and DLP TVs (such as white dots on the screen). Here are those links:

And like always - we are just a phone call away!

918-264-0116

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG0IeEDEn

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw41Idh3DfU

5/11/14

Tree common problems with Flat Panel TVs.

There are three common problems which could happen with new tvs, with Flat Panel TVS, they are :

1) NO picture, no sound.

2) No picture, has sound.

3) Lines, has sound.

First common problem - no picture and no sound, was described in our previous newsletters, and it could be as simple as a blown fuse in a power supply ( very often it is 8A ceramic fuse , for 46'' or bigger LCD , Plasma TVs) or loose AC cord in power socket. So, if you tried to plug in your tv into good socket, and nothing happened; checked AC fuse and it is also good, then it could be a power supply module, which means it is a time to call a professional, or bring it to the shop. It takes about 2-3 days to order and receive parts and then your tv may be good for another few years. Second common problem - no picture, has sound. In this case AC power is coming in, AC Fuse is good, Power supply most likely is good. If the screen is not getting any king of even very dark illumination, or even dark shadow - it could be T con board or main board. In both cases it may be expensive and requires some troubleshooting, if you will try to order those boards, make sure you'll get a part number off the board itself. And the third common problem - Lines. There are two options - it is Tcon board or the panel itself. Price of the Tcom board is about 10-15 less then the price of LCD Panel. Panel failure may happen because of a panel defect or due to damage while moving the tv. And the screen damage may not be seen once the TV is off. So, if it is a Tcon board - it could be repaired, relatively inexpensive or it is beyon any economical repair if the screen assembly need to be replaced. Those are the three common problems with Flat Panel TVs, more of common problems and possible repairs are mentioned in our News Letters above. I wish you an easy repair , or give us a call!

7/20/14

Repair or Replace.

So, to repiar or to replace that broken TV? Today this question more actual than 10 - 15 years ago.. and for a few reasons also: Today's TV are not lasting as long as they used to last, More households have more than 2 - 3 TVs. First , I will tell when I would NOT repair Broken TV: 1.The screen is broken. That means that repair will be beyond any economical repair, this is true for any Plasma, LCD, LED TV. 2.The TV was dropped. Most likely the screen is damaged, even though it may not show, but after the repair is done then screen damage may be visible. Also more than two boards may be damaged beyond repair and that makes the repair very expensive. 3.Water damage, or any other liquid damage. Water damage may cause screen damage which leads to a quate expensive repair ( I cannot justify those kind of repairs - screen replacement , screen assembly is NOT repairable - they need to be replaced).

So, if TV was not dropped, screen is not broken, no water damage - most likely it is a good "candidate" for repair. And , of course you may need to get an estimate before you agree to repair, it is not always free, but for some bigger TVs , 40'' or bigger it is worth to pay $55 to make a decision which way to go. We still do make housecalls, if we need we will pick your TV up and bring it back when repaired , housecall fee cover pick up and delivery. And the repair price still make sense, and you will know the price before you get into repair, and last - not the least -warranty. All our repairs are guaranteed! We give you the longest warranty - Six month on all our repairs! So, if your TV has a problem - give us a call!

9/5/14

Common Problems with TV VIZIO,60'' to 70''screeen size.

Most common problem with TV VIZIO of this size ( bigger TVs, with a screen size between 60'' and 70'' ) - No picture, loss of video, but audio can stiil be herd. First and very common solution is a replacement of a T CON board, very often it takes care of the problem, however the problem may come back..which means the T Con board was bad, but not only that board need to be replaced, but the main board may need to be replaced as well - at the same time, I've seen this problem few times. Second most common problem - the failure of main board. On the screen it looks the same - loss of video, audio still can be heard. Very often it is harder to get it ( the main board), and more expensive , then just a T Con board; and very hard to detect if the main board is deffective : checking components almost always show that all of them are good, so the only way to troubleshoot this problem is to replace suspected board with a brand new board or with a good known board. And, of course, loss of both of audio and video is a good sign of main board failure. And the third most common problem with this TV - bad chip assembly, resulting of a loss of video, no pisture, but like before - audio can be heard. TV may be almost a brand new one, or only few hundred hours of use. VIZIO issued list of model and serial numbers of TV sets sold with problematic chip assembly. This is a very expensive repair, but it could those two possible prlblems, described above. So, if you have TV VIZIO of those sizes, and your TV suddenly lost video, but still has audio, give us a call with your TV model and serial number, we will see if your TV is on on that list, ot if you have any problems with your TV ( it could be any brand name TV, doesn't have to be a VIZIO TV ) - call us : 918-264-0116.

gary@tulsatvrepair.biz

10/19/14

3 Top Questions to ask before you buy a new TV.

With prices of a new TVs going down, and the screen sizes 50'' to 60'' available and more and more affordable, it is very tempting when your TV ''died'' - go to the store and just get a brand new, slim, a whole lot bigger screen TV with a great picture ! And before you buy a new TV you may have few questions, I summurise them as a three main questions before you buy a brand new Flat Panel TV: 1. Brand name. 2. Screen size. 3.Features ( such as HDMI inputs, WIFI and so on) 1. Brand name. Brand name, or what is best brand mame today is the most often asked question today before people buy TV . SONY, Mitsubishi, Panasonic used to be the best brand names years ago, there are many brand names almost as good as those top tree brand names , however not as good for a few reasons : picture quality , life span and so on. Today , however , those three best brand names not as good as they used to be, I would say more - they are not the best anymore, from one point of view -they don't last as they used to - 10 - 15 or even 20 years, they don't. Today's TVs may last 2-3-4 years, and then you may have a problem, if you fix it it may be good for another good years, however they don't last even a fraction of what they used to last. If you go to the store today , you will see many different brands, but the most popular brands , the brands sold more often are just few : Samsung, LG, VIZIO. The last one (VIZIO) is a good brand but as VIZIO admitted - they have a problem with a screen, so I would go for either on of those two: Samsung or LG. And because bothe of them use parts made by Samsung, I don't see big difference between those two - both as good. So , if I was gonna buy a new TV today - I would buy either one of those two.

11/22/14

BEST TV. Part I.

We receive a lot of calls about what is the best TV today, especially after the older CRT TVs being "retiered", DLP TVs still around, and first Plasma TVs ( which are now about 7-9 years old) still around, but are very close of being replaced with a new, slim, bigger screen and more more features TVs. Few points first: Today's TVs do NOT last like older CRT (heavier and bulky ones) TVs, they don't, even DLP TVs ( at least some of them) -last longer then today's TVs. Today's TVs are a whole lot more fragule, the older TVs didn't have problem with a screen being damaged that easily, and never TVs - screen may be damaged by a little kid, and then it is beyound economical repair, and need to be replaced. About life span: most TVs today last for 2-3 years, very rarely for 4-5 years, and cheaper TVs will last you for 1 to 1.5 years, also power outages shorten lives of TVs by "frying" the power supplyes. So, the life span is a whole lot shorter, and when it comes to repair , I oftn recommend to replace the smaller TVs (32" - 37"), however bigger TVs of 60" - 65" are normally repaired, mostly because the repair cost ( at least with us) is a fraction of the price of the same TV. So , the way I see it - either buy a cheaper TV every 2-3 years, or buy a good size TV ( 65" - 70" ) TV , and when it "dies", repair it for a reasonable price ( get the best estimate and longest warranty for repair). Take a good care of the TV. Do not allow children to play with a TV, or throw toys or hit the screen, which easily could be damaged, like I've mentioned above, beyond economical repair. When you leave for more then 2-3 days - unplug the TV from the power outlet, you never know if you will or won't get a power outage; following these simple rules may save you a lot of money on repair and prolong your TV life! And like always, before you repair or repair your TV , call us: 918-264-0116 !

1/25/15

BEST TV, Part II

"Best TV" it's rather subjictive term, because what could be "Best TV for one person, that could be far from "Best TV" for somebody elese. It depends on many factors to conceder, such as: How much are you willing to spend, What would be the screen size ( it depends on the size of the room), Do you need all the bells and whistels, or just a basic model would do it for you, Do you prefer some bradnds over the others, etc.. In this article I would give a general adveise for average prospective buyer , if you will have more questions, you can check our blog post: Tulsaelectronicsrepair.blogpost.com, we have more articles there, and if you would have more questions - do some research, don't relay on a salesperson in the store, remember: you and a salesmen in the store have toally opposite objectives. First. After you've determined how much you are ready to spend on your puchase ( to the purchase price add also extenede warranty for 4-5 years, not for 2-3 ! it does makes sense to buy it), stay with it . Second. Screen Size. Is you living room is an average size? If yes, the good size could be between 50'' and 60'' ( even though 42'' to 46'' just as good,except there is a benefit people do not know about - smaller screen TVs brake down little bit less often due to lower current), bigger screen TVs are not a good idea for simple reason: your eye simply is not able to grab the whole screen, so simply not the best use for your money. And just a word of caution: if you still have an entertainment center - make sure there is enough room for the air go through, otherwise the heat bulds up and this TV dies a whole lot sooner. And one more time - power surge protector - it has to be there - of no - you just taking chances, $15-$20 is a good investment and could save you a lot of money on repair of your TV, I know I mentioned it many times , but still only about 60% have it .

1/28/15

Best TV, Part III

Third. Brand. I know, normally most of us would look for the brand names first, espesially such as: SONY, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and others..Yes, those brand names are established and reputable brand names, and they used to last ten, fifteen and even up to twenty years, some of them even longer. And when choosing a new Flat Panel TV , people looking for those brands, assuming that since older TVs of the same brand lasted that long, so today the same brand, which is new and improved, will last at least the same 10 to 15 years..unfortunately that's not the case anymore. But I will cover the life span in the next paragraph, but what I was gonna mention that besides the screen and look ot the TV, the picture looks different on different brand TVs : For example the Mitsubishi Flat Screen TV picture will look different ( little bit darker) then SONY Flat Screen TV - brighter picture, the reason for that is that differnt manufacturers make screens with little bit different tint, the way the see it more easier to watch and easier on your eyes, so it's just a matter of preference. Otherwise, most of today's TVs have a great picture. The other thing you need to consider: what are you gonna use it for primarily, to play games, watch movies, etc.., based on that you may choose what features you may need and which ones you won't need. Next point: Different brands offer different manufacturers warranty length: some offer six month , some offer year, and some even offer up to two years at no charge to you, so before you buy your brand new Flat Panel TV do some research. Also, some brands easier to service - parts are available and less expensive, and some not. So, that's what we are gonna cover in our nest paragraph. And, like always - if you would have any questions regardiing your TV, call us:

918-264-0116.

2/1/15

BEST TV, Part IV

Fourth. Lefe span. In previous paragraphs I mentioned here and ther little bit about life span of a new Flat Panel TVs. Unlike older TVs, the newer TVs do not last as long, in best case it will last a fraction of life of older TV, not to mention accidents which the new tv out of circulation: a child can hit it with a toy, a remote controle could end up flying and hitting the screen while plying a video game , moving a TV from one room to another may cause you a screen damage, and there are many ways to damage the screen without any hope to get it repaired for any reasonble price. Oleder TVs didn't have any problem like this. So, life span of a newer TV very well could be shortened and your TV could be beyond any economical repair. The other most common problem with Flat Panel TVs - they are very easily damaged/destroyed by a power spike, even a good Power Surge Protectors will not always protect them ( the best way to deal with it - is to unplug the TV from the wall, but how often are you at home when the power surge goes through?). Once TV is fried, you may need to replace the power supply board, and even though the repair price is a fraction of a price the whole TV, it is still expensive. Most of the times newer TVs last 2-3 years,sometimes about 4 years, but some of them last even less then that, that's why I reccomend to buy an extended warranty, but I will talk about it in next paragraph. And another point : the repair price and availability - another words how soon and how much it could cost you to return back to life your TV - we will talk about it in next paragraph.

And like always, if any questions at all - call us today: 918-264-0116 !

2/14/15

BEST TV, Part V

Fifth. Parts availablilty and pricing. Parts pricing is differs from brand to brand, for examle the main board for the same size Sony TV and Samsung will be a whole lot more expensive for the first brand name versus the second one. Another words - the major brand names, like SONY, Mitsubishi , Sharp - the service parts are more expensive in many cases, on the ather hand - service parts for Samsung more readily available and less expensive in most cases. The most expensive part - the screen assembly - how much could it be to fix it, the most common question, asked many times every single day, and I am sure we've answered many times, and we've posted a video - and the answer is still the same: expensive, very expensive. The rule of the thumb - the pricing for screen assembly is pretty much as a pricing for a whole new TV, we could be more specific, we would come take the TV apart, and give you an axact estimate, but after many situations when we come, check it and give an estimate ( and the owner pays for the housecall) - customer decide to buy a whole new TV, I woldn't blame them - I would do the same, so that's why it seems to me that it not even worth to make a housecall. So, it the screen cracked, I would call a couple repair places to confirm that it's not worth it - and I'd buy a new TV, but all that was explained many times in our articles, so it is just qick recap. The other parts, suck as power supply board, main board, sustain board and Tcon board, are available in many cases, but the oler TV is - the harder to get parts for it. We can get parts for most TVs, sometimes it takes longer then for the orher brands, but we get most of them fairly quickly. And again, if you are not trained tech - CALL the repairman, it is not worth it , the risk is so great, or you can call few repair places and try to get and estimate before you spend a dime. So, like always, if you have any questinons, any quesions - give us a call : 918-264-0116.

2/25/15

5 Smart things to do to keep your Flat Panel TV live!

After being over 35 years in TV service industry I would like to summarize some smart things anybody can do to prolong your TV's life. It is not a secret for anybody that newer TVs do not last, not as long as older TVs did, not even a fraction of it. Here I am gonna list 5 thing you can do to help your TV last longer and avoid unnecessary repairs. 1. As I mentioned many times before - most common and the most expensive repair - Broken Screen of your Flat Panel TV. Few things you can do to prevent a screen damage: while moving - be very careful, don't touch the screen and don't hold or move your TV while touching the screen - you can damage the screen; don't let your children play next to the screen - for the same reason; cleaning the screen with chemicals or any solvents is absolutely unacceptable! Even wiping off the dust should be done in a very soft manner with no presure applied on the screen, to summarize it all - be very careful around the screen for simple reason -once tne screen is damaged - it is beyond economical repair. 2. Keep your TV plagged in into Power Surge Protector. It is only about $20 - $25, but it is worth it, but make sure it is the power surge protector, because it could be just a power strip with no protection at all. So, your TV need to be plugged in into it all the time. One thing to remember: even though you do need to keep your TV plugged into that protector - none of those protectors can protect your TV 100%, you just getting a whole lot better chances to have your TV alive after storm or power outrage. Better yet, if you got power outage - unplug your TV from the wall, and plug it back after the power was restored, this way you will prevent your TV damage from the power spike. And finally, every TV in your house need to be plugged into a good power surge protector. 3.If you keep your TV in a entertainment center, make sure there is enough room behind TV to privide good air flow. Working TV produce a lot of heat, and if there is not enough fresh air then heat bulds up and gradually destroys power supply first, which holds powerful ICs with heatsinks, and sustain boards; both ot those boards produce a lot of heat and a fresh air flow wold be a really good soluting of a many future problems with overheating. The simple way to handle it - is to remove a back wall of a cabinet, if it is impossible - then may be to drill some holes, it is not tne same,but it would stil provide some air; some people keep ventilators behind the TV, that could be a solution too. Once in a while, the TV may need to be vacuumed from behind, even without taking the back cover off, building up dust also preventing air flow. So, air flow and vacuuming once in a while may help you to keep your TV staying alive longer. 4.Turn TV off if you are not watching it. Very oftern TV stays ON even if nobody is watching it, or just to "keep" a company.Or TV maybe ON just to listen music, and screen may be off, or darker, but TV is still ON, and all the circuits are ON and current is running, producing the heat, building up the hot air and thus shortening the life of your TV. There is simple solutin for this problem: if you like ot lesten music through TV, you can do it while TV is OFF, Jist listen your music channel through the surround sound or through the sound bar, you may need to do connections, or wiring, redone, and then you can enjoy listening your favorite music channels whille your TV is OFF, that may prolong your TV lifed dramatically! And one more thing: when you know that you may feel asleep while watching your TV - put on sleep mode, and then your TV will be OFF while you are sleeping -that make sence too - you don't need your TV ON when nobody is watching it. Those two simple things may help you to have your TV withour repairs quate longer! 5.Adust settings. When you bought your TV and brought it home, settings need to be readjusted, for simple reason: when TV is in the store, it is gonna be ther only livited time, until it's sold.So, they could keep it withe sttings almost all the way up, to make the TV to be noticed for it bright and colofrul picrure.So, once the TV is in the house, Brightness and Contrast need to be readjusted depends on the size of the room and how birght the light is in that room, this not only prolong the lifespan of your TV (which is a set hours) bur also will cut your electricity bill.

4/10/15

Most Common Problem With Flat Panel TV.

Newer TVs, especially Flat Paenl TVs, have a very comoon problem which could happen regardless of the age of the TV or the usage of it. Of course,statistically speaking, the most common problem is - dameged screen, we get few call every single day with this problem, and of course, not a much you can do about it - screen need to be replaced, and that's beyond economical repair. But, let's assme that one is taking a good care protectiong the TV, and everything is good. However, after a couple - three years of age most of TVs are "dying",,sometimes you could see little light on the bottom flashing or nothing at all. Older TVs had totally different power supplis, and thus they couls withstand the power surges, very often it was a blown fuse or blown diode (bridge) - nowdays newer TVs have different power supplis which are not able to withstand the power surges and the whole power supply damaged (very reraly - the AC fuse replacement may fix it). On the other hand, sometimes, it makes it easier - replace the pwer supply and your TV is good as new again! That could be the case, but sometimes power supply get destroyed and it destroy the Main board too. That makes the repair price to go up, so before the power supply board is replaced - main board need to be checked and take it into account. And there is no way to tell if it is gonna be just a power board replaced, or it is gonna be the main board, or it is gonna be two of them replaced (very rarely happens, but happens) at the same time.To determine what need to be done, the back cover need to be open and some troubleshooting need to be done. So, the most common problem is - no sound, no picture, the screen is black. It is quite repairable, but tv need to be seen. I mentioned the way to prevent this problem in previous newsletters, I will summarize it in a next newsletter. ...and like always, if you would have any questions, call us 918-264-0116!

4/16/15

How to prevent the most common problem with Flat Panel TV.

In previous articles I mentioned what could be done to prevent the most common problblem with Flat Panel TVs. Today I will summuruzi all I mentioned before. As I wrote before, the most common problem is power supply damate or main board failure due to a power surge. And the simple way to prevent it - to unplug the TV BEFORE the power spike! Easy...The only thing left - to know when to unplug...of course, nobody would know when it may happen, so there is another easy way to prevent it - just get a Power Surge Protector.It is easy and simple, especially today, they are (power surge protectors) available for $15-$20 , and that's it. Except, there is a catch. Power strips very often look almost exactly like surge protectors, and before you buy it, make sure it does say "power surge protector", it there is no such saying , there is no ptotection, and you paid for somehting that gives you no protection against power spikes. And like I mentioned before, if you go leave the house for a week or so, it would be good idea to unplug the whole surge protector from the outlet. It may sound like inconvenience, but I think it worth it. We do got a lot of calls like this: "We came back from vacation, and now the TV won't come on, or comes on, but there is a problem with it.." So, such a simple measures can prevent a costly repair! I wsh you all the best, stay informed!

6/18/15

Common problem, TV Samsung 50''. No picture, good sound.

Common problem with TV Samsung 50'' ( model number HP-5054): No Picture, Good Sound. This is abourt 5-6 years old plasma TV whicn had a very good picture, but suddenly, screen turned black. TV comes ON, stays ON, has good sound, and that's about it. In the beginning of troubleshooting, the easiest way to see what is going on, Vs need to be checked out, normally it is about 210v; Next Va should be checked out, which should be about 65v; those voltages need to be ckecked on CN810 ( Feeds Y SUS), and on CN809 ( feeds X sus). If both voltages ( Vs and Va ) arr there for a few seconds after you pressed power ON, and then both of them, or even one of those voltages go down, one of sustain boards need to be disconnected,and then check the voltages again - if both valtages stay on, that means that board that was disconnected is defective and need to be replaced. If one board was disconnected and at least one voltage is going down, then one more board ( another SUS board) need to be disconnected, while the first board still is disconnected, and if voltage Vs or Va ( or both of them ) go down, then the reason for that very often may be the Main board, which controls the power supply board. If the Main board replaced, and one or both voltages still go down, then the Power Supply board need to be repaired, or replaced. Very common problem with this model, HP-5054, Y Sus board is defective, normally once CN810 is disconnected, then both Va and Vs stays on, that tells you that this SUS board need to be repalaced ( part number: LJ92-01490a), and very often buffer board ( or boards) may need to be replaced, they could be tested by checking the for shorts of B+ lines. Once the Y Sus board is replaced ( and buffer board(s) if necessary) - TV comes ON, stays ON, and good for another few years. This is a very common problem with this 50'' Plasma Samsung TV. I wish you an easy repair! Or you can call us: 918-264-0116!

10/20/15

65'' CURVE Samsung TV, no power.

Today I am not going to talk about specifications of ot this TV, even though there are lot of them in this model, I am gonig to talk about the latest repair on this great TV. Why 'great'' ? Personally, I like the size of it , the shape, lots of features, great specs, and of course the quality of the picture. Abour a month ago, we got this TV for repair with a very comoon symptom: No power. Once we got the backcover off, we found that the AC Fuse was blown,and ther was no shorts neithere in Primary nor on Secondary, so once the fuse was replaced it got blown again. After we ordered and replaced the whole new power supply board then standby volatage seemed good, but there was no resopnsce neither with remote control nor by using control panel. After the main board was replaced the TV come on (there were some issueses with this TV). So, both power supply and main board had to be replaced, to make TV come on, the wasy I see it - it was a very expensive repair. And this TV was plugged in into a surge protector, and still it was damaged so badly after storm. Not all af them (TVs) damaged that badly after ther power surge,but in this case it was a very expensive repair. What could help , I mentioned it before, if you got a storm, or power outage - unplug your TV form the wall before you get power back. I wish your TV will work just great, but if you will have any qustions - you can call us anytime: 918-264-0116918-264-0116.

SUMMARY

10/31/15

How much is it to fix a Flat Screen TV?

First of all, I would like to say that I am gonna toalk about pricing of a TV repair in our business, Tulsa Electronics Repair, because it will be different in other shops. The repair price has two main components: parts and labor. Another additive - house call fee. So it is : House call fee plus labor and puls parts. Some places apply housecall fees to the repair bill, sone don't . Housecall fees varies on the distance, we charge $55 in Tulsa and $65 outside of Tulsa county. You should be able to know houw much it the housecall before you make an appointment and if it applyes toward the repair. Labor. The cost of the labor depends on how time consuming is a repair, if it is a simple repair, such as a blown fuse ( doesn't requier soldering) a loose wire, a lamp replacement (in this case it will be charge for the house call plus the cost of the lamp), or such a simple repairs - we don't charge for labor on those repairs, just for the house call. Parts. Today, on a newer TVs, very oftern the whole board may need to be replaced for simple reason: very often boards are not repairable on a component lever and thus a whole board may need to be replaced, and that's why a Flat Screen TV repair is expensive sometimes. But since replacement of the board doesn't take so much time - we charge less on labor ( sometimes no charge at all) for the repair. In conclusion, any time your TV is checked, you should be able to know the price of a repair, and with us it is always a fraction of the cost of the price of a new TV, and it makes sence : with a prices going down on a new TVs, the repair price should make sence, because like in a case with a broken screen ( we get those calls every day) it doesn't make sence to repair that TV, it need to be repleced, it is a very expensive repair, all other repairs normally are cost effective. And like always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate - call us : 918-264-0116 !

11/20/15

I Repair Flat Screen TV versus Buying a New TV.

Part I. Today, with prices of new TVs are going down, making a bigger screen TVs more affordable, this question comes up every time TV fails : To repair TV or to buy a new one? First of all I would ask few questions about the TV that failed: a) How old is my TV? b) The size of the screen? c) How much it may cost for the repair? d) How long TV would last after the repair? Those simple questions may help you to decide if the repair would make sence. If your TV is about 3-4 years old and if the screen size is 46'' and up ( especially 55'' to 65'' or bigger), I think it does make sence at least to get an estimate how much it may cost for the repair.Very often repair shops do charge for an estimate, we do charge $55 for the housecall, which would apply toward the repair and even though it may sound like a lot of money, I think it still worth it, because you would know which way to go, however - if your TV is a smaller one,like 32' to 40'', and about 4 to 5 years old, may be it is not good idea to spend any money on repair or rather put those money toward the new one ( however I would talk to few repair businesses about how much it may cost you for the repair, we normally tell how much it could be, but very often, the repair price for the smaller screen TVs is about the price of the new TV with a difference of $50 to $100). So, smaller size TVs - most likely it is beyond economical repair, the bigger size TVs, most likely it makes sence to fix it after getting an answer for the repair cost and how much it may last after the repair. If you got an estimate, make sure it is written estimate with a final cost, I don't like surpises with an estimate, and how soon the TV could be fixed.Now, sometimes parts are not available, and repair may take a while, so that also may be the case, because fi parts are out of stock, the repair place do not make parts, the can order it and if it is available -normally they deliverd within 2-3 days. And last question: how long it may last after the repair? First of all, the repair should be quaranteed, some places give you 30 days , some places give you 60 days warranty, we give 3 month of warranty on all of our repairs. After the TV is repaired, we normally test it make sure it works properly and if we see anything else may go bad, we fix it at once. Very often, once the TV fixed properly, it may last you again for another 2-3 years (the new TV normally last you 3-4 before it brakes down first tilme). In our next article we will talk about the actual repiar prices. And like always, if you will have any questions - you may call us: 918-264-0116.

1/2/16

Part II. The actual repair price.

Now I would like to explain how much is the repair price could be and why it is so much. First of all, the price may vary depends on the complexity of repair and parts cost. If it is a simple repair, such as blown fuse, loose wire, or loose connection - normally housecall fee ( usually it is $55 ) will cover it . The bulb replacement normally cost the bulb price plus housecall fee. If after the bulb is replaced and TV is still not working, then we will troublshoot and we wil give you an estimate for the whole repair and then the housecall fee will apply toward the whole repair price. Normally if parts need to be ordered, then we will charge for the housecall, and when we will finish the repair - then the remaining balance will be paid. Time frame, or how soon the repair could be completed. Normally we are trying to get parts in 2-3 business days plus about a day to get it done. However, sometimes parts are NOT readily available. We prepay for the order and when parts are available we get them, install, and test the TV and deliver the TV ( if TV was piked up). We had few repairs when parts were on the back order, and if it is the case - not a much we can do about it - we cannot speed it up or do anything about it, it may take a while, normally it happens with the older TVs, all that doesn't happened very often, but once in a while we have those longer repairs, normally it is about 2-3 % of all repairs. The least expensive repairs - $55. Examples : missing color, for example the picture has distored color and it happens very often when cable got loose (composite cable has three prong cable for picture and two for the sound, and when one of the ther prong get loose and then on of the colors get missing) so the repair was very simple. Sometimes once blown fuse is replaced , it takes care of the problem ( not always, though), that also concidered a simple repair. If parts need to be replsced, then we normally tell how much the whole repair price will be. The most expensive repair price - DMD chip replacement.The reason for that - the DMD chip itself if a very expensive chip . And like always - if you would have any questions - we are just a phone call away -918-2640116.

1/16/16

Parts availability.

Once TV is diagnosed, estimate is given - next step is to order parts and complete the repiar. Normally parts are available and we order it in two business days, and when we get parts - we complete the repair in a day and after TV tested for four to eight hours and then we deliver it back and cover it with a warranty. However, sometimes parts are not readily availlable. Not very often, just a fracion of a whole repair load, once in a while we cannot get parts. Normally it happens when the TV is either too old ( and today it doesn't have to be 15-20 years old, it is 5 to 7 years old), or it is a brand new one - the newest model and only few month old ( for example the curve TVs when they got out). For example - parts are on backorder. Sometimes we can tell when parts are gonna be in stock and we will get them,but sometimes parts are not available and there is no a date of availabilty. In this case we let the customer know that we don't even know when we will get parts. WE DO NOT MAKE PARTS. If parts are availble , in most cases they are available and we get them soon, but if they are not, we will let you know when they may be in stock or if there is a date of availability . We had problem with sustain board for 50'' Panasonic tv, and the TV is about 5 to 7 years old, and it is a great TV and we couldn't get pars and we never got ETA, so there is only two options here: get it back to customer and that's the ene ot the repair, or to wait untill parts are gonna be available, and we always give those two options to the customer and let him to decide. However, if TV is older one, it dosen't mean that pars are gonna be out of stock. Only once we troubleshoot the TV, got part number and then we would know if it is available. Very often we may get parts for older TVs, but we need the part number first. So, if you need to repair TV ,or to see if it is repairable, call us with your TV model number and we may know the avialability of parsts sometimes even before we see the TV. So, if you think about TV repair you may schedule a housecall, or call us with model number , age and what't going on with your TV . And it is still the same pnone number 918-2640116.

4/17/16

IN HOME TV REPAIR.

In today's fast changing technology the repair service must keep up with today's challenges, and one way to do it for us -is to provide IN HOME TV SERVICE. I remember, just 20-25 years ago, the main TV in a house was about 27'' , so once TV would get a problem - then the owner would put it in a car and would bring it in the repair shop, and once TV is taken care of, then it's picked up and everything is back in business. Later 31'' TV and evern bigger CRT TVs came up, they were heavy and it was quite a challenge to put it in a car or into a van and bring it in the shop and back. Then Rear Projection TVs came up which made it even a whole lot harder to bring it in, but some repair shops made housecalls, and it was convenient for a TV to be checked out in home vs bringing it to the shop and back. Today, with a new Flat Screen TVs, it is a whole lot easier to move a 40'' to 50'' TVs since they are so light and easy to transport to the repair place and back, however, there is a new problem came up : the possible damage while mowing . But with a good care the TV could be brought in the shop without a problem. But with 60'' - 65'' and evern 70'' and evern bigger TVs it becomes harder to move it to the repair facility. But id doesn't have to be that way - it could be serviced in home, I know it is not something new at all, so today with pirces going down and thus a bigger sreen TVs ( 60'' and up ) became more available, and hence the Same Day Housecalls became more in demand. So that's a reason why we do service in customer's homes, and we are ready to travel quite a bit, we go up to 50 miles in radius serving Tulsa and surrounding areas, sometines we go evern farther. We do charge for the housecall, it is $55 in Tulsa, and it could be slightly higher outside of Tulsa but is is stell make sence to call a tech vs caring that big LCD or LED TV for the repair. Whle on a housecall - we may get it done in your house right away, but if we would have to order parts, we would come back a second time ( no housecall charge for a trip), fininsh your TV , and only your TV is done, you would pay the balance. How far ahead you should call to make a housecall ? If you call us before noon, chances are we would make the SAME DAY HOUSECALL! So, you can either call us ( 918-2640116) or Text , or email us!

11/12/16

Cracked screen: Repair or Replace?

This question, with different variations, we get every single day, and it comes to a simple straight forward question: Repair or Repalce ( speaking of broken screen repair cost) ? Since 2006-2008 when LCD/LED TV became widely available, and very soon within 3 to 5 year they stated replacing Plasma TVs. In last 2-3 years, most of Plasma (and of course, DLP and CRT TVs) were replaced with LCD/LED TVs. Those newer TVs had a lot advantages compare to their predecessors: a) Weight. b) Lower power consumption c) Reasonble priced. With all that, there was one great flaw - Screens got Cracked easily, and thus decision need to be made: Repair ( and how much is it gonna be), or Replace it ? We answer this question every day, and the answer is : Replace it. And the reason is simple: The cost of a panel is about 90%-95% of the cost of a whle new TV. So, whether it is a small TV, or bigger one -Not Worth it. May be later, some years later, if pricing policy will change and repair shops would be abel to get panels for a reasonble price, then it would make sence to repair the TV, but for now - NOT WORTH IT. In some cases, it still could make sence to repair it , but then we would have to see it and give you and estimate, but in most of the cases - it doesn't make sence financially. And like always, if you would have any questions, you can call us : 918-2640116.

12/9/16

3 simple things You Can Do to prolong your TV life.

Here is a summary what we've already mentioned on our website you could do to extend your TV life: 1.Keep your TV plugged into a Power Surge Protector. We've mentioned it many times, and yet, about 50% of all TVs we see on our housecalls plugged in straight into power ooutlet. The power flactuates very often and this is a reason why TVs get a problem during winter, and the repair could be expensive ( deffective maing board may need to be replaced). 2.The cracked screen is the most often call, we get many calls every single day for this problem, and screens are NOT REPAIRABLE, so it is worth to protect your TV from hitting the screen. if you you have little kids in the house.So, if the screen is damaged, during the shopment or an accident, it is almot always not worth it to replace the screen,it will cost almost the same as a buying a whole new TV. It doesn't take a much to damege the screen, or crack it and once it is done, the whole TV may need to be replaced, we mentioned it many times, but we get lot of calls for this reason, so it is woth while to keep your TV protected from being hit from the front. 3. Keep your TV promgrammed for 30 to 60 min on TIMER mode, it happens very oftern too: people fall asleep while TV is on, and it will stay on during the whole night, which means that TV will wokr for an eight to ten hours while nobody watches it, it would't damage your TV right away, but having unattended components on is unsafe, but eventually shortens your TV life, so why not to put it for 30-60 min and save some energy and keep your TV lasting longer. Implementing these simple things may help to prolong your TV life and avoid expensive repairs.

And as always, if you will have any questions, you can call us 918-2640116, and ask for MIchael.

2/11/17

Dark picture on TV Vizio 60".

This problem (dark picture or shadows) becomes more and more popular today as we see more and mre lED TVs around us. Sometimes it as a panel itself, however, sometimes it could be a strip or few of them at once become "dead" and the picture may look darker or shadowy. It is fairly easy to determine which strip is bad, some tools will be required and it doesn't take long to detemine whicn one of them is bad, however - to replace the strip it may take a whole lot longer then just to test it, it will require a dissasembly and it will take a while to put it back together. Some ot the strips readily available (depend on the model) and some of them are not. So, if it is established, that one or few of the strips are bad, it could be replaced, but I highly recomend that a pro should do it, because doing it first time one could do more damage then it was before the repair, and also - replacing one or two strips may save you some money, but replacing all of them at once could be a good idea, besides that what manufacturer recommends. There are few other reasons why picture could be shadowy or darker, but if it is an estabished fact, that your LED strip is bad ( or few of them) then getting them replaced may give you as bright picture as it was before it happened, but like I mentioned in the begining of the article, it should be done by a professional tech and in the shop. Some deffects always happened only to an older TV, but this problem ( dark picure or shadows) could happen even to a newer TV, we've seen TV about one year old and already having this problem. But if this problem is taken care of , the TV may run again for a few years just fine. There are few more reasons why you may have this problem, but this is a one of them. Ans like always, if you you would have a question, you can call us anytime, and the phone number is still the same: 918-2640116, ask for Joe.

1/20/18

5 Signs that your TV may go bad soon.

Very often, not alwaus though, experienced technician can tell that TV may go bad soon, and there are many different signs that may tell you what may happen with your TV soon, i.e - your TV is still running almost fine, but once in a while, TV get some kind of problem, the runs ok again, then it may happen again all over again and again. Today we will talk about 5 most often problems. I. TV shuts off then comes on again. This problem was problem number one for Samsung TVs about 10 years ago and then Samung took care of it and it almost never happens again. Few days ago we had 50'' Samsung TV for repair, and the problem was: few capacitors went bad in power supply, once they were replaced, TV came on just fine. One little detail , I think worth mientioninig, the defective caps were easy to recognize by their buldged tops, however, once those caps replaced, TV may still act like "dead" for simple reason: there are still bad caps, but they looked fine, and the only way to find those bad caps was by checking all of them ( caps ) with ESR miter. Another thing may be worth mentioning, in addition to capacity and voltage, it has to be high temp capacitors. If there is no capacitor of needed value, for example if you need 100 uf, you can take two of 47 uf and make then connected in parallel, and you will get 94 uf, or you can take two of 220 uf and make them connected in series, and you will have 110 uf, and in both cases it will be enough to test by soldering this cap instead of suspected one, but once you estibleshed that the cap was bad , you will need to get the exact valut for proper functioning. Whle you are there , loolknig for bad caps, and after you've replaced all of them, it was worthe whil to check for cold solders, after beirng in use for years, your TV may have few of those.

1/28/18

Other possible reasons for TV to shut off and come on.

Defective capacitors used to be a very common problem with Plasmsa TVs, but eventually it was taken care off and it almost never happens today. There are many other possible reasons for TV to shut off and come back on, I am gonna just mention some of them, because some skills and tools are neeeded for identifying what is going on: a. Cold solder, I briefly touched the subject in previous newsletter, another reason for TV to fail soon, even though it may keep stay on and once in a while to go to shut down and may seems like it work fine, very often those connections which may need to be resoldered look just fine, and yet they need to be redone. b. Defective main board may couse the same symptoms, and if there is no meter around, it may be really hard to identifying the problem. c. Sustain board and drivers may cause the same symptoms as well. Pansonc TVs, 50"-55",used to have a problem with X board very oftern and replacing a repair kit normally took care of it. d.T-con board also may give the same symptoms, and for some T-con repair kits are available too. e. LED strips, I am gonna talk about it little bit later, I will just mention it here as another possible reason for a TV getting those symptoms. f.And last, but not the least, the panel itself. Even though it may not be cracked or damaged, it may fail due to many reasons, and one of them those flexible ribbons attached to the panel, Sony used to have a problem with it. Most of those problems could be avoided simply by keeping some space behind the the TV, it will keep fresh air circulation, becuause running TV produce a lot of heat, and never TVs do NOT have fans, so an adequate cpace behind the TV is a must. Never TVs, Smart Flat Panel TVs have a great picture and it worth to take care of them with these simple staps - keep it plagged in into a power surge protector, make sure there is enough space behind the TV to provide a good air flow, ture TV off once you are not watching it, unplug TV from the wall socket if you are leaving the house for few or more days.

2/6/18

lED Strips failure.

2. LED Strip faulure is a very common problem with a never TVs lately. We see almost any brand names TV today:Samsung, Vizio,Lg,Hitatchi and others brands having this issue. And very often, before TV "dies", TV may come back on, later it may "die" again and it may happen all over again and again. Even though those symptoms are not necessarily always a sign that LED strips are failing, but it is very easy to distinguish LED strip problem from other possible reasons cousinng the same symptoms. Once it is established that LED strip is bad, it is relatively easy to replace it, however it may be time consuming, because the whole panel assembly will need to be removed and installed back once LED strip is replaced. I always recommend to replace ALL the LED strips at once, for simple reason: the other LED strip may fail if not tomorrow then very soon and it vill have to be replaced later, so replacing all of them may be little bit more expensive, but the TV won't come back again for repair soon. Also, LED strip should have exactly the same part number that the one you replace, so "looking the same" or "very close, or almost the same" doesn't work, only original part number. Once LED strips are replaced, panel assembly need to be istalled back, it may be time consuming, and there are many small screws and brackets, everything need to be put back the way it was there before the replacement, all of those parst there are for a reason: panel need to be in place and secured, otherwise panel may damaged and then it is gonna be quite expensive the panel also. If LED strips are not available, some techs replace LED elements and will do the job, TV will be just fine, however, there is no garantee how long the next element will last or whole strip will last, I think it is better to wait untill strip is available and then replace all of them at once. Also, all of those strips may last only so many hours, the life span is very limited, so it would be a good ides to keep the backlight control in the middle to prolonge life of the strip. So, LED TVs are really good for simple reasons: very light weight, space savers and very low power consumption, but there is one issue: LED strips fail once in while and thus TV goes for repair or replacement.

2/11/18

Panel Failures.

3 . Paenl Failures. This is the most expensive repair - replacing the panel. The most common symptoms of a failing panel are: a. TV comes on for a second and shuts off right away. b. No picture, screen stays black. c.Very distorted picture, lines. Some brands have better panels and some of them don't. We got a lot of calls for TVs with a faulty panels, some times we can tell right away, as soon as we we get the model number, and quite opposite with some other brands, some of them never fail, so depends on a brand - you may never have panel problem, or your TV may last a year or two, and then you may need to replace it. In addition to all that - panels are very prone to physical damage, and needles to say once it happenned - TV may need to be replaced, since panels are not repairable. So, once you got a faulty or damaged panel, your TV may need to be replaced.